Caterpillar announced the addition of a joystick option to its new Cat 140 motor graders.
Customers globally will now have the option of choosing either joystick (JOY) or lever/steering wheel (LVR) controls for the new 140. Available in early 2026, the new model features all the hallmarks of the next generation design — efficiency, productivity, operator comfort and increased uptime, according to Caterpillar.
"Rather than having separate JOY or LVR models for the next generation 140, customers will choose between joystick or lever steering configurations similar to other options like tandem or all-wheel-drive, technologies and attachments," said Pablo dos Santos, Caterpillar global product application specialist. "Flexibility and versatility have been the hallmarks of the 140 motor grader, and customers throughout the years have proven the machine's usefulness has few limits. Its narrow, 98.9 inch width simplifies transport, and its power and performance make it an efficient machine for a range of applications from snow clearing and grading to roadbuilding and ditching."
Caterpillar's joystick controls reduce hand and arm movements compared to the lever and steering configuration, which can help reduce operator fatigue for improved productivity. The three-axis joysticks place transmission, up/down gear shifting and machine direction control in the left joystick, while the right controls drawbar, circle and moldboard functions, along with electronic throttle control and manual differential lock/unlock.
Cat joystick motor graders boast follow steer, which allows the front wheels to follow joystick input. Joystick control, combined with the 140's new 9-forward-speed transmission with finish gear, provides smooth operation in final passes and curbs.
Key to safety and efficiency, visibility to the operating area is offered by the next generation cab design, featuring angled doors, tapered engine closure and sloped rear window to make it easy to see the moldboard, tires and behind the motor grader. Its standard rearview camera enhances the operator's view to the machine's rear with the feed displayed on the 10-in. touchscreen monitor.
Optional integrated smart cameras and a bird's-eye view of the in-cab display, along with Cat Detect — people detection to alert the operator when someone enters the grader's hazard zone, provide a comprehensive view of the machine and task at hand for increased job site safety.
The in-cab display also provides operators with access to a host of expanded technology offerings. A machine-integrated grade control system, the new 140 can be shipped Cat Grade 3D ready to help operators cut to grade faster with more accuracy, efficiency and productivity. Automatic blade control reduces operator input and the number of passes required to complete the job, saving time and money, according to Caterpillar.
With position sensing shift cylinder (PSC), E-fence avoidance and two IMU sensors to simplify mastless upgrades, Cat cross slope assist enables the operator to manually control one moldboard end, while the system controls the other.
Also noted by dos Santos, the new 140 provides improved balance of power-to-weight ratio with fuel economy. "We have much field data collected on the 140 so far with multiple field machines being evaluated around the world, logging more than 40,000 hours to date."
The motor grader's design and reliability can help lower operating costs and fuel consumption, according to Caterpillar. Grouped centralized service points and extended synchronized service intervals save on daily maintenance time.
For more information, visit cat.com.
